Brazilian Initiatives Boost STEM Careers for Girls and Women

Two prominent initiatives in Brazil are making strides to increase the participation of girls and women in STEM fields. The UFABC para MiN@s program, supported by Braskem, held from July 13 to 17 at the Federal University of ABC in Santo André, engaged 50 middle and high school girls from the ABC region and Greater São Paulo. The week-long event featured workshops, lectures, and interactive sessions led by female researchers and industry professionals, including Braskem’s Elisandra Ribeiro and Julia Gonçalves, who shared insights on careers in science and technology. Alexandra Calixto Gioso of Braskem highlighted the importance of such initiatives to foster diversity and innovation early on.

Meanwhile, the Projeto Divas at the Instituto Federal do Ceará (IFCE), operating across the Horizonte, Aracati, and Tianguá campuses, earned the Northeast Region Highlight Project Award at WIT 2026. Coordinated by Professor Carina Oliveira and her team, including Raquel Silveira and Alice Santos, it focuses on the inclusion, empowerment, and training of women in Information and Communication Technologies. Silveira emphasized that the award underscores the project's role in promoting representation and transformation through technology.

Together, these initiatives demonstrate a strong commitment within Brazil to expand educational and career opportunities for girls and women in STEM, aiming to bridge gender gaps and drive innovation in science and technology sectors.